This suggests Google may be considering using such high-frequency spectrum for Project Loon, its effort to beam Internet signals from balloons circling the earth, and Titan Aerospace, a solar-powered drone maker that Google acquired in April. Read More »

Wireless carriers could soon be subject to new rules on how they handle content on their networks, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler suggested Tuesday.

The FCC is currently considering new rules for how broadband providers must treat traffic traveling over their networks. Speaking at CTIA Shows, a wireless-industry convention in Las Vegas, Wheeler said his agency is seriously considering whether to apply the rules to wireless networks. Read More »

Most smartphone users know data speeds can vary widely. But how do the different carriers stack up against each other? The Federal Communications Commission is hoping the public can help figure that out, using a new app it will preview next week.

The FCC on Friday said that the agenda for next Thursday’s open meeting, the first under new Chairman Tom Wheeler, will feature a presentation on a new Android smartphone app that will be used to crowdsource measurements of mobile broadband speeds.

The FCC announced it would start measuring the performance of mobile networks last September. All four major wireless carriers, as well CTIA-The Wireless Association have already agreed to participate in the app, which is called “FCC Speed Test.” It works only on Android for now — no word on when an iPhone version might be available. Read More »